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Thursday's Sports Briefs

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 4, 2008

PRO HOCKEY

Laviolette Out, Maurice Back In

The Carolina Hurricanes fired coach Peter Laviolette on Wednesday and replaced him with Paul Maurice, the winningest coach in franchise history.

Hall of Fame player Ron Francis, the team's assistant general manager, moved from the front office and will be Maurice's associate coach.

COLLEGES

Tuberville Out At Auburn

Tommy Tuberville stepped down after 10 years as Auburn's coach, a reign that included a perfect season and a string of overachieving teams but ended with the worst record of his tenure.

Tuberville was 85-40 in his decade with Auburn.

"The last 10 years have been a great time in my life, both professionally and personally," he said in a statement.

USF: Senior LB Tyrone McKenzie has been invited to play in next month's East-West Shrine Game.

BASEBALL

Pedroia Signs Extension

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who earned $457,000 last season while winning the AL Most Valuable Player award, agreed to a $40.5 million, six-year contract that could keep in Boston through at least 2014.

PRO BASKETBALL

Raptors Fire Coach Mitchell

The Toronto Raptors have fired coach Sam Mitchell one day after the team absorbed an embarrassing loss at Denver.

Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo says assistant Jay Triano has been promoted to interim coach.

GOLF

Wie Excels At Q-School

With little fanfare and even less to say, Michelle Wie took an important first step toward earning an LPGA Tour card by opening with a 3-under 69.

Shiho Oyama of Japan led with a 64 on the more open Champions course. Wie was tied for sixth.

A Tribune staff, wire report